07 Nov 5 reasons to visit Croatia
When our tour guide lamented that the history of Croatia was “complex” it was a grand understatement. Nowadays it has a reputation as ‘celebration central’, often playing host to partying millennials, during events such as ‘Yacht Week’. However, it has had a complicated and often tragic past. But, it is hands down, an amazing nation to visit for any special holiday or celebration. Here are just 5 reasons to visit Croatia:
1. History – Croatia’s bloody past
Croatia has been variously occupied by the Romans, Austrian-Hungarians, Venetians and Ottomans. It became part of the Independent State of Yugoslavia after World War I. It was then part of the Social Republic of Yugoslavia after World War II. Under the Communist rule of Tito, Yugoslavia consisted of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Macedonia. These former rivals were thrown together to live and work alongside each other in harmony. For a while, the country thrived. However, following Tito’s death in 1980, ancient rivalries surfaced. A bitter war ensued during which ‘ethnic cleansing’ saw 100,000 people killed. NATO finally intervened in 1995 and Croatia became an independent nation.
The country’s bloody history cannot be forgotten. But Croatians have opened their borders and hearts to visitors, proud to share their stunning coastline and achingly gorgeous towns, enticing you to visit Croatia as part of your bucket list!
2. Architecture – Emperor’s Palace now the old town of Split
The old town of Split is in the grounds of what was a summer palace and military camp. It was built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian between 295 and 305. It is now a three hectare (seven acre) maze of winding streets. Roman buildings boasting cafes, art galleries, restaurants, shops, hotels and private residences dot its landscape. If you are staying in a hotel in the old town, be aware that you will need to walk there from a street outside the town, as no cars can navigate its narrow laneways.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Diocletian Palace also consists of a substructure of cave-like rooms that once were used for storage and housing. They now host exhibitions, plays, fairs and other cultural events.
3. Discovery – exploring food and wine when you visit Croatia
When you visit Croatia, you definitely need to make a trip to a food market. In Split we headed to the outdoor Pazar (green food market). Finding our way through the winding laneways from our boutique Hotel Murum was a challenge and a joy! It was worth the adventure to haggle with stall-holders over freshly-sliced meats, chunky bread, creamy cheese, juicy strawberries, dusted dried figs, crunchy almonds and ruby red tomatoes. Consuming our foraged goods overlooking the surrounding red rooftops and towering spires at sunset was a treat!
Ensure to take a stroll down the sophisticated Marmont shopping street. Stop at the unique fish market, overflowing with freshly-caught produce, kept free from flies due to the smell of sulphur from the nearby spa.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Split, and eating in a courtyard surrounded by stone walls at Makarun is a must. Renowned for authentic Dalmation cuisine and Croatian wines, it is a favourite for those who visit Croatia.
To walk off all that scrumptious food you’ll need a stroll along the Split waterfront, The Riva. If you feel like stretching your legs a bit further, take a hike up Marjan hill, to take in superb views of Split, its harbour, surrounding islands and quaint Medieval chapels.
4. Popular culture – Dubrovnik – the Game of Thrones and more
Dubrovnik old town is a masterpiece of preservation, despite being almost decimated in the most recent homeland war. It has been painstakingly rebuilt and stands proud and majestic on the waterfront. There is much to see and do in the old town, including eating, drinking, shopping, strolling, and visiting the church of St Blaise – the saint protector of the city. You can also visit one of the world’s oldest pharmacies inside the Franciscan monastery. Steep steps lead to the 2 km of Dubrovnik Old Town walls which can be walked for 200 Kunas. This is well worth it for the magnificent views and pit-stop cafes enroute. For Game of Thrones fans, the old town is a ‘must visit’ and there are tours to assist in finding the sites otherwise known as Kings Landing and the Walk of Shame.
Taking the cable car (or taxi) to Panorama Restaurant for lunch is a great way to get the best view of the old town and beyond. Some choose to hike it, but I would say that is only for the purists!
We stayed just outside the town centre in an area known as Lapad. It has its own strip of restaurants and shops, a beach – Sunset Beach – and is in strolling distance to other beach clubs. The partly naturist Cava and family-friendly Copacabana are close by. There are many luxurious hotels on the waterfront, such as Hotel More, with its unique bar built into a cave. Sunbathing on one of the rocky outcrops while being served an Aperol Spritz, slipping into the blue-green ocean, is the perfect way to spend a leisurely day.
5. Beyond Croatia – Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro and the islands
If you feel like exploring further afield, you can do a day trip to Bosnia Herzegovina, a country rich in history and raw beauty. Montenegro is another great option, with its stunning lakes and fjords. A visit to one of the many islands dotting the Adriatic, is a must. These include the nearby Lokrum with its beaches, Benedictine Monastery and botanic gardens. Also Hvar, with its vineyards, fields of lavender, olive trees, beaches and historical town centre. Or Korcula, believed to have been the home of Marco Polo, and known today as the ‘little Dubrovnik’ .
Our time in Croatia was all too brief and it is definitely I country I would like to revisit. Exploring the islands, and indulging in the abundant seafood and wines are top of the list! Also luxuriating on a rocky outcrop overlooking that impossibly blue-green sea!
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